Trish was a year above me at school and since graduating, we've shared some mutual friends. She has always been a friendly face so when she knocked on my door for support, I jumped at the opportunity. Trish is the Creative Director of Oath + Stone, an amazing graphic designer, a lover of 'font facts' and the type of client every business wants. She provides thoughtful direction, remembers your business birthday and genuinely sees you as part of her team. Trish makes me love what I do just that little bit more.
Trish reached out because she was spending too long on non-principal tasks. I brought to the table not just an extra pair of hands but a different perspective. I became an extension of Trish, one that was focussed on the front-end of her business and someone who her clients and suppliers could lean on and trust. I manage all her business administration plus a little bit of life admin - I don't think she's forgotten bin night since I added it to the family calendar ;-)
That was over three years ago. Seriously, where did the time go?!
In that time, we've grown to a team of 3 (or 4 or 5 if you include Murphy the pooch and Trish and Lachie's unpaid young intern, Angus!). Elle, Trish's second designer, joined us a few years ago and immediately fit in. I worked closely with Trish to find someone suitable; someone who would match her design aesthetic, could prove their skills, align with her values and fit well into the team. Goodbye Bonnie and Clyde and welcome Destiny's Child.
Trish and Lachie welcomed their first child, son Angus, in 2022 and I felt incredibly privileged to support her and the business to prepare for maternity leave. As a business owner, that word doesn't really exist however, for six months, Trish handed over the reins of her business baby. I managed a scaled-back studio with Elle and we kept the fires burning.
When Trish was ready to return to work, my time was spent working closely with her to find a balance that suited her personally and professionally. I continued to manage the front of the studio, liaising with clients and suppliers, delegating tasks to Elle and bringing Trish in on bigger requests.
And never one to sit still, Trish and her family are embarking on their next adventure: a move to the Sunshine Coast.
We've been through a lot together; the ups and downs of business, break ups, babies and interstate moves. I very much look forward to supporting Trish in the next (plus many more!) phase of her business.
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